dead as the dodo

dead as a dodo = dead as the dodo

no longer alive

no longer effective, valid or interesting - Informal

The name dodo comes from Portuguese duodo meaning simpleton. It was applied to the large flightless bird of Mauritius because the bird had no fear of man and so was easily killed, being quickly wiped out by visiting European sailors. The dodo's fate has made it proverbial for something that is long dead and the name has been used metaphorically for an old-fashioned, stupid or unenlightened person since the 19th century.

2000 - John Caughie - Television Drama - The once pleasant family hour is now as dead as a dodo.

RELATED IDIOMS :

dodge the column

shirk your duty

avoid work - British informal

Column is a military term which refers to the usual formation of troops for marching.